TEN THINGS ABOUT ME
25 Things About Luke Wood
As President and COO of Beats Electronics, Luke Wood has been largely responsible for transforming the company — founded by Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, and known mostly for its distinctive headphones — into a diversified stable of products and services. As such, last year he oversaw a $300 million investment into the business by HTC; this summer, Beats reportedly spent $14 million to acquire music subscription service Mog. As a respondent to our questionnaire, he reveals — among other things — that he didn’t own a computer until he was 34 years old.
What was your favorite TV show as a kid?
I watched MTV and Cinemax constantly to drone out my parents’ 24/7 viewing of CNN — I think I saw “Flash Gordon” 45 times.
What qualities do you like in a person?
Intelligence, humanity, a sense of humor and a little madness.
What qualities do you dislike?
Narcissism without talent.
Name one thing you will regret never having done (if you never do it)
Playing Slash in the latest incarnation of Guns N’ Roses … or at least Buckethead.
What’s the single most important issue in the world today?
The global financial crisis, which allows the complete marginalization of global warming and climate change as the single most important issue.
Do you still buy CDs or rent DVDs?
Nope.
What would you be doing if you were not in your current job?
Taking my first turn at driving carpool.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Having the opportunity to do what I’m deeply passionate about. I’ve worked since the day I left college, but I’ve never felt as if I had a job.
iPhone, Android or BlackBerry?
Android — HTC One S.
If you could meet any historical or fictional person, who would it be?
Archduke Franz Ferdinand — I would have suggested he skip Sarajevo, possibly averting two World Wars and a rather unfortunate band name.
What site/app do you check first when you wake up?
MOG or iTunes — music first thing every morning.
What was the last thing you fixed?
I fixed a 1/4″ guitar cable — soldering wire is a young man’s game.
What was your first computer?
I borrowed computers from friends and companies until I was 34 years old and then bought a Mac tower for my home studio.
What was your biggest mistake?
I made many mistakes in the music business but was fortunate to do so pre-piracy, when they were easily forgiven.
Do you have a dog or cat or other pet?
Two rescued dogs, who are proof you can find perfection almost anywhere.
What’s your favorite mode of transportation?
Any flight over 13 hours, so I can sleep guiltlessly.
What was the last book you read?
“Retromania,” by Simon Reynolds.
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
Perfect pitch.
Name your favorite guilty pleasure.
Ben & Jerry’s “Everything But the …”
What was your biggest most-recent purchase?
A new air conditioner for my house — very sexy.
Whom do you idolize?
Anyone deeply creative with courage, conviction and execution.
What do you drive/ride?
I drive a Mercedes E350 and ride a Girl Eric Koston skateboard with Independent trucks and Rain Skates wheels.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be more patient.
Who was your biggest influence growing up?
My mother — she was very patient with me (among other things), and that took a lot.
Describe an ideal day.
An ideal day would involve me cloning myself so I could send one me to build Beats, one me to be with my family, and the last me to the recording studio to make music all day … Cloning by Dr. Dre!